By the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13
In trying to please God and do His will, at times believers get sidetracked by controversial issues. In their desire for peace, justice, and righteousness, it’s easy to lose focus on God and worry about matters such as the pandemic, the border crisis, and riots. Paul says that God is the God of hope. He is the one who fills you with joy and peace so that you abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the One you trust, not whether cultural or political circumstances are going as you’d like them.
Earlier verses in the chapter describe how Christians should treat each other, not living selfishly, but meeting each other’s needs, encouraging one another. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to maintain hope when all around situations may appear hopeless. Be your own fruit inspector. Does your character reveal love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control? As you are filled with the Spirit of God these fruits will be a natural result. The fruits of the Spirit affect how you treat others.
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. As you celebrate, pray for God to give you opportunities to show love and kindness to all the mothers in your life. There may be mothers whose children are not close to them or those who have recently lost their mother and are in need of comfort. Look to God for hope, encouragement, and endurance as you trust Him and care for others. Pray for the citizens and leaders of the United States to act out of consideration and kindness toward others.
Today’s Verse: Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-21
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
